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50 Suitable Crops That You Can Plant In Mt. Elgon, Bungoma County

BY Juma · April 24, 2023 09:04 am

KEY POINTS

Onions are the best crop in Mount Elgon especially in Cheptais and Elgon wards. Bulb onions have been doing well in these areas for ages. In fact, most of the onions in Bungoma County markets come from this place. It is cheap and affordable given the fertile soils.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Indigenous vegetables are something that gives Mount Elgon a name. Call the kienyeji and if you are looking for a place to plant them, Mount Elgon is where you should be. They include:

  1. Jute Mallow
  2. Nightshade
  3. Slender leaf/mitoo
  4. Terere

There was a feature that ran on one of the televisions in Kenya depicting Mount Elgon, in Bungoma County as a place facing drought and water shortage. Such a thing was unheard of about Mount Elgon when we were growing up, but here we are.

Mount Elgon was an oasis of massive rivers and waterfalls. It had trees covered in almost every corner. But deforestation has dealt it a huge blow, leaving it exposed to drought and devastation. Even with the challenges, Mount Elgon is still a haven for agriculture.

Onions are the best crop in Mount Elgon especially in Cheptais and Elgon wards. Bulb onions have been doing well in these areas for ages. In fact, most of the onions in Bungoma County markets come from this place. It is cheap and affordable given the fertile soils.

The top cereals that do well in this region are:

  1. Maize
  2. Upland rice
  3. Wheat
  4. Sorghum

Most farmers in this region plant maize on a small-scale basis for food. Upland rice is rarely planted. Our checks did not find anyone planting upland rice in Mount Elgon despite the fact that the soil supports it. Perhaps it is something someone can try out.

Related Content: Miraa Among 47 Suitable Crops You Can Plant In Tongaren, Soysambu Ward, Bungoma County

Mount Elgon is the best place to plant fruits. The soils are fertile and some of the fruits grow organically which shows why the farming of genetically enhanced ones is a great idea. Some of the fruits that can do well in this region are:

  1. Avocados
  2. Mangos
  3. PawPaw
  4. Sweet Oranges
  5. Tangerines

If you want to start farming fruits in this place, we would advise you to go for Avocados and Tangerines. Few people are taking part in it. For avocados, go for the hass ones and look for experts to take you through and you will make money.

Mount Elgon is also known for cabbages. If you have a market, you can try out cabbages although so many people are planting them. You opt for passion fruits, pumpkins, mushrooms, or French beans.

Indigenous vegetables are something that gives Mount Elgon a name. Call the kienyeji and if you are looking for a place to plant them, Mount Elgon is where you should be. They include:

  1. Jute Mallow
  2. Nightshade
  3. Slender leaf/mitoo
  4. Terere

Related Content: 48 Crops To Plant In Bumula Constituency, Bungoma County

There are also farmers planting coffee, tea, and miraa, on a small-scale basis. Talking about miraa, we did not see any single farmer planting miraa. Perhaps you might seize the opportunity and start the farming of the same in this region.

Other crops that we saw do so well in this region are:

  1. Sweet potatoes
  2. Cassava
  3. Irish Potatoes
  4. Yam
  5. Arrow Roots

Related Contents: 50 Crops You Can Plant In Mbakalo, Tongaren, Bungoma County

Juma is an enthusiastic journalist who believes that journalism has power to change the world either negatively or positively depending on how one uses it. (020) 528 0222 or Email: info@sokodirectory.com

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